Nurse practitioners should always function under the direction and responsible supervision of a practicing, licensed physician. Under no circumstances should responsibilities be assigned to a nurse practitioner unless the supervising physician possesses the necessary training, experience, and demonstrated current competence.
The American Academy of Family Physicians believes training programs preparing nurse practitioners, like the training for all health care clinicians, should be constantly monitored to assure the quality of training provided and the number of graduates reflects demonstrated needs.
The AAFP supports payment for services of nurse practitioners as part of a physician-led team. Services provided under direct physician supervision and billed incident-to the physician’s professional services should be paid at the same level as services provided directly by the physician.
(1984) (October 2025 COD)